# Novak Djokovic overcomes physical discomfort to win China Open opener against Nuno Borges

- URL: https://apitofinal.pt/en/modalidades-en/tenis-en/novak-djokovic-overcomes-physical-discomfort-to-win-china-open-opener-against-nuno-borges/
- Published: 2026-09-30T15:12:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-20T17:29:09+00:00
- Publisher: Apito Final (apitofinal.pt)
- Section: Ténis
- Tags: ATP Tour, China Open, Daniil Medvedev, Novak Djokovic, Nuno Borges, tennis

## Key points

- Novak Djokovic beat Nuno Borges in straight sets to open the China Open, winning 6-3 and 7-2 in the tiebreak.
- He broke early to lead 3-0 in the first set and held off Borges's two break chances at 4-2.
- Djokovic took a medical timeout at 3-2 down in the second set, returned, and closed out the tense tiebreak.

## Article

Novak Djokovic Overcomes Physical Struggles to Secure Solid Opening Victory at China Open

Novak Djokovic marked his return to the Far East with a determined straight-sets victory over Nuno Borges in the opening round of this year’s China Open. Despite a commanding start, the Serbian superstar faced moments of adversity, including physical discomfort that required a medical timeout, before closing out the match in a tense second-set tiebreak.

Djokovic stamped his authority early, breaking Borges at the first opportunity to surge into a 3-0 lead. Borges managed to hold serve once, but Djokovic’s relentless pressure forced errors and denied Borges two break chances at 4-2. Capitalizing on these missed opportunities, Djokovic sealed the first set 6-3 with a confident hold on his second set point.

The second set unfolded as a much more volatile battle. Borges elevated his game, matching Djokovic’s intensity and holding serve consistently, pushing the set into a nail-biting tiebreak. At 3-2 down in the set, Djokovic called for a medical timeout to address physical discomfort that has intermittently troubled him in recent months. Returning refreshed, he managed to hold serve and maintain composure.

The tiebreak saw Djokovic unleash his trademark mental toughness and precision. Leading 5-1, he withstood a brief resurgence from Borges before breaking twice more to close out the match with a 7-2 tiebreak score. The victory underscores Djokovic’s resilience and ability to overcome both external pressure and physical challenges.

Looking ahead, Djokovic will face Yunchokate Bu, who secured a win against Juan Manuel Cerundolo earlier in the day. Potentially lurking in the next rounds are formidable opponents Jan-Lennard Struff, who defeated Thiago Agustin Tirante, and Daniil Medvedev, who is yet to play Pablo Carreno-Busta. Meanwhile, top seed Alexander Zverev is set to begin his campaign tomorrow against Cameron Norrie.

Djokovic’s opening triumph at the China Open, achieved despite physical setbacks and an elevated challenge from Borges, reaffirms his status as a formidable contender on the ATP Tour. His ability to adapt and persevere will be crucial as he navigates a demanding draw that could soon pit him against Medvedev, one of the sport’s top-ranked players.